Geomaterials Research Lab

ROCK, SOIL, AND WASTE MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT & TESTING CENTER

The Geomaterials Research Laboratory is an advanced research facility designed to address problems that cannot be effectively studied using conventional laboratory infrastructure. The lab houses a rare suite of experimental systems—some of which are available at only a limited number of institutions in the United States enabling material testing and system-level evaluation under conditions that bridge controlled laboratory research and real-world application.

The lab specializes in deployment-oriented geomaterials research, supporting investigations that require rigorous testing, nonstandard loading or processing conditions, and integration across material, system, and lifecycle considerations. Research activities span materials characterization, performance and durability testing, prototype validation, and feasibility assessment, supported by scalable research workflows and standardized methodologies.

A defining feature of the Geomaterials Research Lab is the integration of technical experimentation with decision-support frameworks, including techno-economic analysis (TEA) and lifecycle-based evaluation where appropriate. This approach enables research teams to move beyond proof-of-concept results and generate data that directly informs feasibility, risk, and implementation pathways prior to pilot- or field-scale deployment.

The lab functions as a collaborative research platform, supporting faculty, students, industry partners, and external research institutions seeking access to specialized equipment, structured workflows, and a research environment oriented toward responsible translation. By combining rare experimental capabilities with system-level thinking, the Geomaterials Research Lab enables research that is not only technically rigorous, but positioned to matter.

Button Link

Equipment Access & Materials Testing

The lab provides access to laboratory and pilot-scale equipment for rock, soil, and geomaterial testing. Services include material characterization, performance evaluation, and method development to support research, prototyping, and validation.

Equipment & Testing

Scalable Material Research Workflows

The lab applies established research workflows to evaluate and develop geomaterials. Coal-derived materials were previously used to set up and benchmark these systems; the workflows are now applied broadly to diverse waste and natural materials.

Research Workflows

Market Validation & Techno-Economic Analysis

Through Carbonado Technology LLC, the lab supports market testing and techno-economic analysis (TEA) to assess feasibility, cost structure, and market readiness. This approach helps reduce technical and commercial risk before pilot-scale or large-scale development.

Market & TEA

Material Library & Training

The lab maintains a curated rock, soil, and waste material library used for benchmarking, method development, and training. Hands-on instruction supports students, researchers, and partners in applying standardized and repeatable material research workflows.

Material Library

Decision Support Before Scale-Up

Integrated technical data, market feedback, and techno-economic analysis are used to support informed go/no-go decisions prior to pilot-scale or large-scale implementation.

Before You Scale

Material Characterization & Technical Reporting

The laboratory provides standardized material characterization, experimental data analysis, and formal technical reporting aligned with ASTM and relevant engineering standards. Deliverables include validated datasets, performance summaries, and decision-ready reports suitable for research sponsors, industry partners, and regulatory review.

CHARACTERIZATION SERVICES

Laboratory Equipment & Testing Capabilities

The Geomaterials Research Lab provides access to laboratory- and pilot-scale equipment supporting the characterization, development, and testing of rock, soil, and waste-derived materials. Equipment is used to evaluate physical, mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, and durability-related properties relevant to energy, construction, geotechnical, and material performance applications.

The lab’s equipment infrastructure is designed to support flexible and comparative research workflows, enabling method development, prototyping, and system-level evaluation across a wide range of geomaterials. This capability allows researchers and partners to generate reliable data, validate concepts, and inform scale-up decisions. Equipment access is integrated with standardized procedures, hands-on training, and safety protocols to ensure repeatable, high-quality, and responsible research outcomes.

View Equipment list

 

placeholder

Publications & Research Impact

Over the past three years, research conducted through the Geomaterial Research Lab has resulted in more than 52 peer-reviewed publications across journals, conferences, and technical venues. Selected examples below highlight the lab’s core research themes, methodologies, and student involvement.

Construction & Geomaterials

Novel lightweight coal char-based aggregates for potential ASR mitigation

Construction and Building Materials

This study develops and evaluates lightweight coal char–based aggregates with enhanced resistance to alkali–silica reaction (ASR). Results demonstrate strong mechanical performance, improved durability, and reduced material density, demonstrating the potential of coal char as a sustainable alternative aggregate for construction applications.

Research Team:

  • S. Timilsina (MS Student),
  • C. K. Lau (Research Scientist),
  • H. Yu (Postdoctoral Researcher)

Principal Investigator: K. Ng

Rock, Energy & Subsurface Systems

Experimental study on the effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of Hulett sandstone

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

This study evaluates the mechanical and microstructural response of sandstone exposed to hydrogen-rich environments, providing critical insights for underground hydrogen storage and energy geotechnics.

Research Team:

  • E. Dabbaghi (PhD Student),
  • T. C. Brown (Research Scientist),
  • Y. Yu (Research Scientist)

Principal Investigator: K. Ng

Construction & Geomaterials

Development and evaluation of coal char-based colored adhered manufactured stone masonry veneer

Construction and Building Materials

This work investigates coal char-based masonry veneer systems, demonstrating improved mechanical properties, durability, and thermal performance while offering a lower-impact alternative to conventional stone materials.

Research Team:

  • R. Giri (MS Student),
  • C. K. Lau (Research Scientist),
  • H. Yu (Postdoctoral Researcher)

Principal Investigator: K. Ng

Geotechnical Engineering

Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation using soybean urease in coal char-treated sandy soil

International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering
This research presents a low-carbon bio-cementation approach that enhances soil strength and durability through enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation combined with coal char treatment.

Research Team:

  • B. Timilsina (MS Student),
  • H. Yu (Postdoctoral Researcher),
  • C. K. Lau (Research Scientist)

Principal Investigator: K. Ng

 

These publications reflect the lab’s commitment to student-led research supported by advanced experimental infrastructure and faculty mentorship.

  

External Access & Research Service

 

External users and collaborators are welcome to contact the Geomaterial Research Lab to discuss equipment access, materials testing, and research services.

Contact: Us : Kim Lau

Research Scientist
 clau1@uwyo.edu